MP Khatana seeks air connectivity boost to remote areas

Srinagar, Mar 24: Senior BJP leader and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha Nominated), Er. Gulam Ali Khatana raised significant issues concerning expansion of aviation infrastructure, regional air connectivity, and passenger convenience in the Rajya Sabha addressed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Highlighting the urgent need to strengthen connectivity in remote and border districts of J&K and Ladakh, Gulam Ali sought clarity on proposals for establishing new airports or civil enclaves in regions such as Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, and Kargil.

Responding to the queries, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, informed that no formal proposals have been received under the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008 for setting up new airports in these Union Territories. However, the Government has initiated exploratory steps including feasibility assessments and site visits in key locations such as Kishtwar, Udhampur, Kargil, Nyoma, Diskit, Turtuk, and Zanskar. The Minister further highlighted that the Government is prioritizing the civilian utilization of existing defence airstrips as a pragmatic approach to enhancing connectivity in these strategically important regions.